The Tech Clone Wars

[GBerry]

Since my Tech is a FrankenRazor, I thought I would focus on the RazoRock DE1.

RazoRock DE1 + Rapira Platinum Lux (3)
Nivea Sensitive face wash
Proraso Green Preshave Eucalyptus Oil
Razorock Plissoft Monster Synthetic brush
Proraso Green Shaving Cream Eucalyptus Oil
4 passes + touch ups to DFS
No bleeders and no irritation.
Very little Witch Hazel report
Finished with Proraso Blue aftershave Balm
Attempting no pressure shave. Not a smooth shave.
Next shave “ride that cap a little more”
Rating: 8.5/10

I am not sure this is equal to the Baili BD176. The BD176 is supposed to be mild but the RR DE1 feels aggressive.

I’ll post some pics of the Fat Tech later this evening.

 

[never-stop-learning]

I have the Baili BR 131, BR 171 and BR 172.

The DE-1 is the same head as the 171 and 172. Also the RR Teck II and Maggard V3M.

The BD 176 looks the same as the BR 171 which has the same head as the DE-1. There should be no difference between the 176 and the DE-1.

Instead of buying more clones, I would grab some different genuine Gillette Techs (Flat Bottom, Canadian Pre-war, mid-1950s heavy Ball End, Post-war Fat Handle) and have some great shaves.

 

[GBerry]

I bought this Gillette Tech off eBay quite some time ago. I found it to be way to aggressive for me so the razor just never got used. When the Tech Clone Wars thread popped up, I thought I would clean it up and make a comparison with the RazoRock DE-1
I was surprised by the amount of corrosion found on the cap of the US Fat Handled Tech with triangular lather holes. IMO the razor is still shavable but due to the nature of the corrosion, I think this is a Zamak cap which is inconsistent with a triangular lather hole base plate. Here are the photos so you can have a look.

What do the Tech experts say?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

Looks like a garden-variety Pre-war Tech. Great, great shaver. Give the cap some Flitz or Maas.

 

[Bogeyman]

...The BD 176 looks the same as the BR 171 which has the same head as the DE-1. There should be no difference between the 176 and the DE-1...

Baili changed their head design a few years back and the new ones extend out past the blade tabs whereas the older ones didn't. As well, the earlier ones were more aggressive according to those who have tried both. Perhaps he has the earlier version(?).

 

[never-stop-learning]

I bought this Gillette Tech off eBay quite some time ago. I found it to be way to aggressive for me so the razor just never got used. When the Tech Clone Wars thread popped up, I thought I would clean it up and make a comparison with the RazoRock DE-1
I was surprised by the amount of corrosion found on the cap of the US Fat Handled Tech with triangular lather holes. IMO the razor is still shavable but due to the nature of the corrosion, I think this is a Zamak cap which is inconsistent with a triangular lather hole base plate. Here are the photos so you can have a look.
View attachment 1038477View attachment 1038478View attachment 1038479View attachment 1038480
What do the Tech experts say?
Thanks in advance.

Looks like a garden-variety Pre-war Tech. Great, great shaver. Give the cap some Flitz or Maas.

Looks like the original cap to me. I do not believe that your cap is zamak.

I agree with @Hannah's Dad - some Flitz or Maas and a bit of polishing and your cap should be fine.

 

[GBerry]

Looks like the original cap to me. I do not believe that your cap is zamak.

I agree with @Hannah's Dad - some Flitz or Maas and a bit of polishing and your cap should be fine.

That is good news. I’ll give it a try. The nickel plating must be fairly thick on these. I do not see any brassing at all.

Thanks for all the help and tips...

 

[GBerry]

Baili changed their head design a few years back and the new ones extend out past the blade tabs whereas the older ones didn't. As well, the earlier ones were more aggressive according to those who have tried both. Perhaps he has the earlier version(?).

My RazoRock DE-1 looks identical to the pictures of the Baili BD176. The blade tabs are completely covered.

 

[TechClone]

My RazoRock DE-1 looks identical to the pictures of the Baili BD176. The blade tabs are completely covered.

And so in the post above you mention that your experience with the DE-1 (Baili BD176) is that it’s aggressive? Clarifying because I find my BD176 very mild!

I should do a proper review in this thread one of these days.

 

[GBerry]

And so in the post above you mention that your experience with the DE-1 (Baili BD176) is that it’s aggressive? Clarifying because I find my BD176 very mild!

I should do a proper review in this thread one of these days.

The first shave with the DE-1 generated a lot of irritation. I interpreted that as aggressiveness. Now, I believe I was using pressure.
A Tech or Tech clone is a different circumstance than a Muhle R89 or a Merkur 34C. You can have some pressure with the R89 or 34C and not generate irritation because of it.
I’m not 100% convinced the BD176 and the DE-1 are the same.

 

[GBerry]

The RazoRock DE-1 produced a very nice pleasant shave this morning without drama. What a difference proper shaving TECHnique makes.

RazoRock DE-1 + Rapira Platinum Lux (1)
Hot shower
Proraso Green Preshave
RazoRock Plissoft Monster Synthetic
Proraso Green Shaving Cream
3 passes + touch ups to DFS+
No issues. No irritation.
Witch Hazel report was very mild
Finished with Proraso Blue ASB
Pleasant shave
Rating: 9.5/10

 

[GaryTha]

What's the best Tech clone I can buy on Amazon?

Same question, but under $20.

Thanks

 

[never-stop-learning]

What's the best Tech clone I can buy on Amazon?

Same question, but under $20.

Thanks

In my opinion, the Black Tiger is the best of the several Clones that I have tried. Unfortunately, I do not see them listed anymore. EDIT: There are 'New' Black Tiger razors listed on the Global Shave Club site. Not sure what was changed on the 'New' version. The current sale price is ONE CENT. At checkout, though, you'll see that you are being charged a high shipping charge for every 'New' Black tiger ordered.

If you have to use Amazon, the Baili BR131 and BR171/BR172 are fair shavers and well under $20.

My suggestion, though, is to get a genuine Tech.

YMMV

 

[GaryTha]

In my opinion, the Black Tiger is the best of the several Clones that I have tried. Unfortunately, I do not see them listed anymore.

If you have to use Amazon, the Baili BR131 and BR171/BR172 are fair shavers and well under $20.

My suggestion, though, is to get a genuine Tech.

YMMV

Thanks.

 

[never-stop-learning]

Thanks.

The Sumatra from Global Shave Club looks really good and is basically a Baili BR131 with a better handle. Still under $20.

 

[GaryTha]

The Sumatra from Global Shave Club looks really good and is basically a Baili BR131 with a better handle. Still under $20.

Thanks. It does look good.

 

[GaryTha]

@never-stop-learning,

I'll likely buy the Sumatra. I want something inexpensive and simple to put in my Excalibur rotation. I don't like owning what everyone else owns.

 

[never-stop-learning]

@never-stop-learning,

I'll likely buy the Sumatra. I want something inexpensive and simple to put in my Excalibur rotation. I don't like owning what everyone else owns.

The Sumatra is a very nice razor. You should be very pleased with it.

 

[Double_Edgez]

Greetings

Great thread, I haven't been on this site in a long time always loved my techs & the clone or inspired type razors, my brother in law who knows i wet shave, recently bought me 2 cheap razors from holiday, they are not the best but shave just okay nothing good or bad, they are similar to the old version of the Chinese tech clones but made in Pakistan according to the packaging.

I have nearly every single vintage Gillette tech razor out there & some tech inspired but not quite techs too, after years of collecting, now i don't buy no more razors, well that's what i keep telling myself

Here's the 2 from my large collection i been enjoying using this month

Personna (version without embossed name)

Souplex Bakelite (not quite a tech but i say a refined version)

 

[never-stop-learning]

Greetings

Great thread, I haven't been on this site in a long time always loved my techs & the clone or inspired type razors, my brother in law who knows i wet shave, recently bought me 2 cheap razors from holiday, they are not the best but shave just okay nothing good or bad, they are similar to the old version of the Chinese tech clones but made in Pakistan according to the packaging.

View attachment 1039171
View attachment 1039172
View attachment 1039211
View attachment 1039173
View attachment 1039174

I have nearly every single vintage Gillette tech razor out there & some tech inspired but not quite techs too, after years of collecting, now i don't buy no more razors, well that's what i keep telling myself

Here's the 2 from my large collection i been enjoying using this month

Personna (version without embossed name)
View attachment 1039176
View attachment 1039177

Souplex Bakelite (not quite a tech but i say a refined version)
View attachment 1039220
View attachment 1039221
View attachment 1039223

IN GENERAL, I have found that Clones with four lather slots on each side tend to be on the harsh side.

The Personna you have has similarities to the Star 100 razors:

The difference being that the Star razors are made in the USA, the Personna razors are made in Britain. Good shaving razors.

I am not familiar with the Souplex Bakelite.